Varicella

What is Varicella

Varicella is also known as chickenpox. The disease generally is regarded as a mild, self-limiting viral illness with occasional complications. The rash is pruritic and most prominent on the face, scalp and trunk. It appears as multitudes of redringed papules and vesicles in varying stages of development. Crusts eventually form and slough off in 7 to 14 days. Nondermatomal distribution and lesions of varying stages distinguish primary varicella from herpes zoster. The rash begins as multiple small, red bumps that look like pimples or insect bites.

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Fever and malaise may be mild in children and much more severe in adults.